Do vets recommend grain free cat food

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Best Vet Recommended Cat Food: Top 6 Brands Reviewed

Note: Veterinary review of this article includes only the medical information in this article. The veterinarian reviewing this article does not personally endorse, recommend, or vouch for the efficacy or claims of any product mentioned in this article.

The best vet-recommended cat food is more than a prestigious label. It is species-appropriate, made by a trustworthy company, and, if its a prescription food, effective in its targeted therapy.

Because it has so many benefits for underweight or sickly cats, weve chosen Hills Prescription Diet a/d as the overall best vet-recommended food. In addition to Hills Prescription Diet, weve reviewed four other vet-recommended cat food brands and chosen top recipes from each.

Before we get into the reviews, lets take a critical look at the world of vet-recommended food. Well explore which brands vets recommend, learn what makes vet-recommended food special, and talk to vets about which foods they recommend.

At A Glance: Best Vet Recommended Cat Foods To Buy

Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, weve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. Youll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Overall Best

10.0

Picked by 31 people today!

Rich in animal protein and fat
Full of specific organ meats rather than animal by-products
Many customers credit this food with restoring or stabilizing their cats health

Premium Pick

9.8

Picked by 31 people today!

Made primarily with animal-based protein and fat
Scientifically formulated to be low-glycemic
Free from low-quality fillers and synthetic additives

Best for Kittens

9.7

Picked by 25 people today!

Rich in animal protein
Contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye development
Low carbohydrate content compared to other Science Diet recipes

Best For Sensitive Stomachs

9.6

Picked by 31 people today!

Contains over 40% protein as dry matter
Seems to be liked by picky eaters
Many cat owners report positive digestive results

Best Grain-Free

9.5

Picked by 31 people today!

Protein appears to come primarily from animal sources
Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Best For Adult Cat

9.4

Picked by 25 people today!

Fresh chicken as the main source of protein
Contains 55% crude protein measured as dry matter
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Why Should You Trust Us

Having reviewed over 230 of the worlds most popular cat food brands and hundreds of of formulas. We spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, and analyzing labels. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with a few foods.

Between reviewing specific brands and researching feline nutrition, weve learned which brands and products are worth buying and putting in your cats bowl.

Based on that experience, weve chosen the 6 products described below as the best vet recommended cat foods you can buy on the market.

When You Hear The Words Vet-Recommended Cat Food, Which Brands Do You Think Of?

You probably think of Hills Prescription Diet, Science Diet, Royal Canin, Iams or Eukanuba, and Purina Pro Plan.

What Do These Brands Have In Common And Why Do So Many Veterinarians Trust Them?

First, all of these brands are produced by companies with strong foundations. Theyre large, well-established companies with plenty of money to spend on state-of-the-art manufacturing, research, and product development.

Secondly, These Companies Want To Be Recommended By Veterinarians.

Veterinary endorsement and approval are priceless if you want to become an authority brand. These brands have spent decades establishing themselves as icons of scientific animal nutrition. While their reputations owe something to merit, you cant ignore the role of marketing.

Though were starting to put together a picture of what vet-recommended food is in general, veterinarians are as dynamic and varied as anyone else. They dont all agree on nutrition. Some dont even recommend foods with the words vet-recommended on the label.

To understand what veterinarians think about feline nutrition, I set out to talk to real vets about cat food, asking how they choose the best food, which brands they trust, and what they feed their own cats.

Heres What A Few Veterinarians Have To Say About Cat Food

Sara Ochoa, DVM is a practicing veterinarian in East Texas and a veterinary consultant for DogLab.com. Sara says that when picking cat food, she looks for an AAFCO statement saying that it is a full balanced diet, adding that there are certain low-end foods that do not meet these requirements.

The brands she recommends are Science Diet, Royal Canin, Purina Pro Plan, and Eukanuba. If these brands are too expensive for her clients, she recommends any of the Purina lines such as Purina One, or Purina Cat Chow. Also I recommend Iams cat food from the grocery store. What does Sara feed her own cat? Hills Science Diet.

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS is a vet living and working in the UK. When asked what she recommends to her clients, Joanna emphasizes the importance of weight control, noting that Its important to select the right food for your cats age and neuter status. I often find myself recommending a neutered/sterilised diet as these are slightly lower in calories and around 50% of cats are overweight. Its hard to encourage a cat to exercise more, so its all about getting the food right.

Megan Teiber, DVM is a practicing veterinarian in the greater Chicago area and veterinary consultant for cat furniture brand tuft + paw. She notes that veterinarians have differing opinions on feline nutrition and that veterinarian recommendations may change as research brings facts to light.

When recommending a diet to her clients, she looks for foods that follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) guidelines. Specifically, she emphasizes that among other criteria, WSAVA only recommends manufacturers that employ full time veterinary nutritionists. Companies that meet this criterion include Iams, Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin.

After ruling out foods that dont meet AAFCO and WSAVA standards, Dr. Teiber advocates for a canned diet. Canned food helps cats to stay better hydrated, feel more satiated, and can prevent and manage health conditions such as obesity, cystitis (bladder inflammation), and diabetes. I typically recommend a lower carbohydrate diet for most of my feline patients. Canned foods naturally have higher protein and lower carbohydrate content than most dry foods.

Best Vet Recommended Cat Food: Our Top 6 Picks

In the following segment, well review each of the top vet-recommended brands and their best recipes. While the brands were chosen strictly based on veterinarian recommendations, the top products were chosen based on the criteria outlined in our article on the overall best cat food.

Heres a brief summary of the qualities we look for:

Minimal carbohydrate content
High-quality animal protein
High in moisture
Free of potentially harmful additives

Well also be looking at a few prescription cat foods. Any prescription foods must live up to their promises, having demonstrated benefits for cats suffering from the intended condition, be it obesity or kidney failure. Sometimes, this means that a prescription food is good for sick cats, but deviates from the nutritional standards wed look for in other foods.

#1 Hills Prescription Diet

Made In: United States
Guaranteed Protein: 8.5% Min
Age Range: Adult
Calories Per Ounce: 32
Typical Cost Per Day:$3.82 per day

Hills Prescription Diet foods are only available with a veterinarians prescription. In fact, Hills has trademarked the prescription diet name. Most similar foods are called veterinary diets to avoid infringing on the Hills trademark.

Recipes in this line target health conditions and special needs, including IBD, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and urinary tract health. Most, but not all, Prescription Diet recipes get good reviews. Some customers say they save lives.

Like all Hills Pet Nutrition products, Hills Prescription Diet foods are backed by the companys research and development department and large expert staff. Theyre manufactured in company-owned facilities from what the company calls carefully selected ingredients.

Hills Prescription Diet foods have been recalled at least twice.

Its impossible to unequivocally declare one Prescription Diet recipe as better than the rest. Theyre all made to do something different. The urinary care recipe isnt going to be a good choice if your cat doesnt have urinary tract problemsand so on.

After reviewing the Hills Prescription Diet lineup, however, one recipe stands out as a particularly beneficial option for its intended purpose. That recipe is a/d Urgent Care. If you have a cat in desperate need of nutritional support, this food could be a lifesaver.

Its not the best food for healthy cats, but its not for healthy cats. This recipe was made for cats recovering from serious illness, accidents, surgeries, and metabolic changes.

Each can contains 183 calories, so its calorically dense with plenty of animal protein and fat. It contains a combination of liver, meat, heart, and pork protein isolate as highly nutritious, palatable, and ultra-digestible sources of animal protein. The food has increased potassium levels and increased B vitamins to give an energy boost. Its pat texture is creamy-soft for sensitive cats or those with bad teeth.

The food gets positive reviews from customers, who say that it has helped their sick or senior cat gain weight and stay healthy.

Water, Turkey Giblets, Pork Liver, Chicken, Corn Flour, Pork Protein Isolate, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Natural Flavor, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Potassium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Taurine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene.

Crude Protein: 8.5%

Crude Fat: 5.2%

Crude Fiber: 0.5%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 38.64%

Fat: 23.64%

Fiber: 2.27%

Carbs: 35.45%

Protein: 29.38%

Fat: 43.65%

Carbs: 26.96%

What We Liked:

Rich in animal protein and fat
Full of specific organ meats rather than animal by-products
Many customers credit this food with restoring or stabilizing their cats health
Low carbohydrate content

What We Didnt Like:

#2 Farmina

Made In: Serbia
Guaranteed Protein: 44% Min
Age Range: Adult
Calories Per Pound: 1246
Typical Cost Per Day:$0.99 per day

Farmina began as an English food research company that later partnered with an Italian livestock feed producer to create pet food. The brand is owned by the Russo Magimi company and works closely with veterinary research institutions to formulate their pet foods using the latest scientific findings.

The Farmina brand manufactures its foods in several locations around the world including Italy, Serbia, and Brazil. Their ingredients are sourced primarily from Italy, New Zealand, and various European countries and produced in accordance with the food safety and quality standards set forth by the European Union.

By partnering with the Chair of Animal Nutrition at the University of Naples Frederico II, Farmina Vet Research is able to gather and publish clinical data. The brand offers a selection of dry and wet cat foods, including several prescription-only foods in the Vet Life Feline line.

Farmina products have been certified as effective by third parties and, to our knowledge, the brand has never had a product recall.

Featuring fresh boneless chicken and dehydrated chicken as the top two ingredients, this dry food recipe is made primarily with animal-based protein. Supplemental sources of animal protein include dried eggs and herring while sun cured alfalfa meal provides some plant protein.

The food relies primarily on animal sources of fat like chicken fat and herring oil. These ingredients provide a concentrated source of energy as well as essential fatty acids. The herring oil is particularly rich in skin- and coat-supporting omega-3s.

This is a grain-free recipe, but it doesnt contain beans or peas like many grain-free formulas do. It contains about 48% protein on a dry matter basis and around 22% fat, however, so it still contains roughly 30% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. While most dry cat food is high in carbs, Farmina pet foods are formulated to have a low glycemic index.

The food contains about 412 calories per cup and is formulated for adult cats.

Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil, Pea Fiber, Dried Carrot, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharide, Yeast Extract, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Apple, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Blueberry, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative).

Crude Protein: 44%

Crude Fat: 20%

Crude Fiber: 1.8%

Moisture: 8%

Ash: 8.5%

Protein: 47.83%

Fat: 21.74%

Fiber: 1.96%

Carbs: 19.24%

Protein: 39.9%

Fat: 44.05%

Carbs: 16.05%

What We Liked:

Made primarily with animal-based protein and fat
Scientifically formulated to be low-glycemic
Free from low-quality fillers and synthetic additives

What We Didnt Like:

Fairly high in carbohydrates
No dry food provides the moisture cats need

Made In: United States
Guaranteed Protein: 11.5% Min
Age Range: Kitten
Calories Per Ounce: 38
Typical Cost Per Day:$2.69 per day

Science Diet is a Hills Pet Nutrition brand focused on what the company calls biology-based nutrition for all stages of cats lives.

The company is known for industry-leading nutrition research and employs over 220 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians, and Ph.D nutritionists.

The Hills Pet Nutrition Center in Topeka, Kansas is a world-class research facility that bolsters the status of Hills as a leading authority on animal nutrition. Hills Science Diet cat food is manufactured in company-owned facilities located in the United States.

With the exception of some of their canned recipes, Science Diet products tend to be carbohydrate-heavy and full of plant ingredients. Almost all of them contain a combination of select cuts of meat and vaguely specified by-products.

Science Diet dog and cat food has been recalled several times due to issues ranging from melamine in 2007 to a vitamin D-related recall in early 2019.

After reviewing the Science Diet lineup, this kitten food appears to be one of the brands best products. Its not a great choice for every cat, but if you have a kitten or a pregnant or nursing cat, this is one of the best vet-recommended foods you can give her.

As kitten food should be, this food is relatively high in protein and calories to support early stages of growth. At 15% carbohydrate on a dry matter basis, its a little bit on the high-carb side, but low in carbohydrates compared to most Science Diet recipes.

It doesnt contain any artificial flavors or chemical preservatives, but does contain carrageenan, a seaweed-derived thickener, which may have carcinogenic and inflammatory properties in some forms. Food-grade carrageenan is generally considered to be safe for consumption.

Water, Pork Liver, Pork By-Products, Chicken, Chicken Fat, Egg Product, Corn Starch, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Protein Isolate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Ground Pecan Shells, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Guar Gum, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Cellulose, Flaxseed, Dried Beet Pulp, Dried Citrus Pulp, Iodized Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Locust Bean Gum, Fish Oil, L-Lysine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Pressed Cranberries, Taurine, Carrageenan, Oat Fiber, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene.

Crude Protein: 12.4%

Crude Fat: 7.9%

Crude Fiber: 0.6%

Moisture: 78%

Protein: 56.36%

Fat: 35.91%

Fiber: 2.73%

Carbs: 5%

Protein: 37.94%

Fat: 58.7%

Carbs: 3.37%

What We Liked:

Rich in animal protein
Contains fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids for brain and eye development
Low carbohydrate content compared to other Science Diet recipes

What We Didnt Like:

Some reviewers say the food has an odd, unappetizing texture
Contains carrageenan

Made In: United States
Guaranteed Protein: 7.5% Min
Age Range: Adult
Calories Per Ounce: 22
Typical Cost Per Day:$5.75 per day

Since its inception in the 1960s, this brand has earned its title as pet food royalty. It has a rich history, massive product offering, and global distribution.

Royal Canin was the first manufacturer of dry pet food in France and the first European company to use an extrusion machine. Now a Mars subsidiary, Royal Canin is a global company with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Russia, China, South Africa, Argentina, Poland, and the UK.

Royal Canins more than one hundred cat food recipes are available in veterinary offices around the world. Their vast selection includes food for almost everything you could think of, targeting specific life stages, body sizes, lifestyles, health conditions, and breeds.

Royal Canin has been recalled at least three times.

Formulated for cats one year and older with sensitive digestion, this wet cat food formula contains a mixture of chicken and pork by-products as well as pork and chicken liver. It also contains salmon, pork plasma, and gelatin as supplemental sources of animal protein.

While this recipe contains numerous animal proteins, it also contains wheat flour, modified corn starch, and wheat gluten. It also appears to rely on vegetable oil as the main source of added fat.

Though this formula contains over 40% crude protein measured as dry matter, the fat content is fairly low and the carbohydrate content is high. The same can be said for many Royal Canin cat foods, though their formulas are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Overall, the quality of the ingredients in this food could certainly be higher but, according to customer reviews, it appears to be a hit with picky eaters and many cat owners report that the food helped resolve their cats digestive issues.

Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken By-Products, Pork By-Products, Pork Liver, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Wheat Flour, Pork Plasma, Modified Corn Starch, Vegetable Oil, Natural Flavors, Powdered Cellulose, Wheat Gluten, Gelatin, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Carob Bean Gum, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Taurine, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Trace Minerals [Zinc Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite].

Crude Protein: 7.5%

Crude Fat: 2%

Crude Fiber: 1.7%

Moisture: 82.5%

Protein: 42.86%

Fat: 11.43%

Fiber: 9.71%

Carbs: 36%

Protein: 40.2%

Fat: 26.03%

Carbs: 33.77%

What We Liked:

Contains over 40% protein as dry matter
Seems to be liked by picky eaters
Many cat owners report positive digestive results
Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

What We Didnt Like:

Heavy use of wheat and corn products
Relies primarily on plant-based fat
High carbohydrate content

Whether its a prescription food or formulated for daily care, the best vet-recommended food goes beyond the label to deliver top-notch nutrition and benefits that justify its price tag.

Your veterinarian should be a feline nutrition allyan expert who can help you to make smart decisions to ensure your cats long-term health.

Dont be afraid to ask your veterinarian critical questions about her nutritional recommendations. Ask how she chooses a good food, which brands she trusts, and, if she has a cat, what she feeds him. You and your vet should work together to understand the why behind the recommendations.

By maintaining a critical mindset, asking the right questions, and recognizing your vets expertise and limitations, you can feel confident that both you and your vet are making the right choices for your cats health.